Final answer:
Modular design can potentially increase costs of purchasing and managing inventory compared to non-modular design due to complexity and additional sourcing and maintenance costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modular design can potentially increase costs of purchasing and managing inventory compared to non-modular design. This is because modular design involves breaking down a product or system into smaller, interchangeable modules that can be assembled or rearranged as needed. While this can offer flexibility and customization options, it can also result in more complex inventory management and storage requirements, as well as additional costs associated with sourcing and maintaining various modules.